Puerto Vallarta in the Top Ten of the best destinations in Mexico

One of the most beautiful places in the world is Puerto Vallarta, México that have the biggest second bay of all the continent, called the Bay of Flags, known by the extraordinary natural beauties, unexplored deep waters and wonderful beach. This place have spas and hotels very attractive for the tourist and also you can visit the majestic mountains with a great tropical vegetation. Don’t miss the opportunity to know this espectacular place with a village that have a very original colonial style.

Puerto Vallarta has experienced a “boom” with places like Mitas Top, a very attractive destination for houses of retirement in the Coast of the Pacífic Ocean. Puerto Vallarta is in the top ten of the best destinations in Mexico because is one of the cities of major growth in this country. Puerto Vallarte mixed perfectly  a colonial village with a wonderful beach. Puerto Vallarta is considered a paradise for all the people who enjoy the sports because they can have an endless number of adventures outdoors. If you like the aquatic sports, this is your place and you can choose between all the imaginable activities, from the esnórquel and the skin-diving to the kayak, sailing ships and surfing. You also can enjoy of the abundant marine life in the warm waters of Bay of Flags where you can practice sports and make fishing in deep waters in one of the best places in México. If you want exciting adventures, you can walk in bicycle of mountain, choose for a safari in jeep or ride a horse in difficult areas. Also, there are excursions of adventure in the jungle.

The Beach called “Los Muertos” is the place where tourists and locals share great moments like taste fresh fish and buy jewels, hats and sarapes. In this nice place, you can take a walk in a boat “banana” or in parachute. Also, you can find a lot of restaurants along the beach with parasols and beds to relax. Don’t miss the opportunity to Know a unique place like Puerto Vallarta full of magic, beauty and peace where you are going to pass the best vacations of your life.

Nowadays, Puerto Vallarta is the leader of the most popular winter destinations of Mexico because this place have the perfect climate. You can enjoy of golden beaches, mountains and jungles in a real paradise  that is attractive for everyone in the world. Every night is a time of party in the center of Puerto Vallarta. You will find a band of tradicional music in the Plaza of Weapon, the principal square in the place. The Malecón of Puerto Vallarta is an obliged walk, where you can appreciate originals sculptures in bronze or sand. You will be able to take pics but do not forget to leave a tip. Puerto Vallarte is a perfect place to pass your vacations in México with your friends or family.

Shirley Alvarez Bahamon

Visit Los Arcos National Marine Park in Vallarta, Jalisco

Whether it is for your vacations, honeymoon or maybe a business trip, travelling around Vallarta is always an exciting experience. Vallarta, which is located in the Bay of Banderas, owns many beautiful places and is famous for its magnificent beaches, which are very popular among American and Canadian tourists. One of these places is called Los Arcos National Marine Park. In this text, I will tell you why visiting it is a must.

This well known site is located in the south part of the Bay of Banderas and has been considered as a national marine park since 1984. The park consists of reefs, caves, tunnels and arches. It has been protected by the Mexican government due to its rich and diverse wildlife. This means that all activities that can be harmful for the environment are not allowed. Fishing and removing anything from the bottom of the sea are strictly forbidden. This is the perfect site for water sport fans and lovers of nature. If you are planning to travel there, which I highly recommend you to do so; you must not forget to take with you your camera and a great sense of adventure.

As I wrote above, Los Arcos National Marine Park has a rich and diverse wildlife. Because it is in a tropical area, the typical sea life that can be found is made up of angel fishes, cornet fishes, parrot fishes and damsels. You can usually get closer to feed them but you have to watch out for octopuses, lobsters and small spotted eagle rays that can be near. The marine park has also become the “home” for pelicans, bobos and some species of parrots. For this reason, to ensure the protection and reproduction of all the tropical sea life in the park is the main goal of the government.

Los Arcos is very popular among the people who love practicing water sports. Even if you have never practiced one, you should give them a try. This is also a place for novices. Snorkeling is the most popular activity. Also, scuba diving is a popular one. Experienced divers may enjoy a deep blue abyss that can range from 30 feet to 1,600 feet (between 9 and 480 meters). Some companies also offer the possibility of diving during the night. Other activities that can take place are sailing, kayaking, recreational diving, and ecc. It is very important to be sure to hire the services of a qualified tourist guide or instructor. If you do not have the necessary equipment, you can easily rent it in one of the many companies designed for tourists.

As you can see, you will not get disappointed if you decide to visit Los Arcos National Marine Park in Vallarta, Jalisco. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, camera (a waterproof camera will be much better), sun lotion, sunglasses and the most essential thing: an adventurous spirit.

Romina Nieto

Fuente imagen: mburns_mburns (Flickr)

2013 vacations in Costalegre

Costalegre is a paradise situated in the southern area of pacific coastal Mexico between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. It comprises a 280 kilometer stretch of coast between Playa Mismaloya and Bahía de Navidad. Weather is similar to Hawaii or Jamaica, making it not only an ideal place for summer holidays but also for winter breaks. The region has beautiful beaches, good amenities, lively nightlife, a rich culture and a traditional cuisine plus various eco and sport activities that will make your 2013 vacations in Costalegre to be the best holiday destination ever.

 

• Accommodation

There are several hotels and villages to stay; one is Las Alamandas, a romantic retreat on the Pacific Coast ideal for a honeymoon, family get-together, corporate retreat or the ultimate beach getaway. This hotel property may offer both all-inclusive and room-only rates, so you should check with staff a suitable option for you. It offers beach, biking, mountain, hiking, fishing and snorkeling among others.

• Eco and sports activities

Costalagre is a sought after destination because of its eco adventures; Fishing is a recreational activity to connect with nature. Costalegre is also a rich region to find varied species such as sailfish, marlin, and tuna. At the end of January, the Sailfish Fishing International Tournament takes place each year and last for 3 days. For snorkeling and diving lovers, Tenacatita Bay is the place to go. This bay features numerous coral reefs and a great diversity of marine life, such as sharks, whales, turtles, and dolphins, as well as the heterogeneous flora typical of the Pacific Ocean.

• Sightseeing and shopping

Costalegre is a sought-after coastal destination for a romance date and one of Mexico´s most romantic places to get married. This place is consider very romantic for having a picturesque architecture; it combines cobblestone streets, houses with red tiled roofs and balconies adorned with bougainvillea pink or white making it pleasant and suitable for romance. It is also full of craft markets, art galleries, very romantic hotels and inns, restaurants and spa centers. In Barra de Navidad and Melaque, you will learn more about the culture and flavor of Mexico; you will find handicrafts, beautiful ornaments, and nice clothing, among many other things.

• Nightlife

Along Costalegre you will find plenty of bar and pubs to hang out. More specifically, Barrra de Navidad offers cool alternatives like Piper Lover Blues Bar with live blues and rock music only in high season from Wednesday till Sunday. At the Show Bar Jarro you will find a gay-friendly disco with pool tables and spectacular lagoon views. Sea Master Café is the bar to be when sun sets for happy hour. The restaurant turns into a nightclub at night in high season. It is a favorite place among locals and foreigners. Finally, Jardin Bar is a karaoke bar to spend the evening dancing and singing some famous and amusing songs in a totally laid back and fun atmosphere.

Cecilia Ameri

Exploring Riviera Nayarit Parks

Riviera Nayarit is only 10 minutes away from the Puerto Vallarta airport and located at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain range. Most of the areas along the Riviera are protected since they are the home for turtles, whales, birds and many other exotic species.

When exploring Riviera Nayarit Parks, you will find there are a total of 350 bird species that visit the Riviera and the surroundings every year and because of this, Government has made sure that the birds are protected during their yearly migration. There are protected bird parks and bird lagoons available for these flighty little creatures, thus creating a well-laid bird sanctuary that can be visited and observed by specialists and bird lovers alike.

La Tovara is a protected area in which birding is a popular activity; Tourists can observe and discover different kinds of bird species like the Puaraquees, Purple Gallinules, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Northern Potoo and Jacanas.

Santa Isabel in San Blas is also a national park and a protected ecological reserve. It is a tropical paradise for birds and bird’s watchers. The best months to observe them are October through April but there are no facilities, so be prepared for self-sufficient camping.

Another protected area is Banderas Bay or Bahia de Bandera, located at the foot of Sierra Madre Mountains. Whale-watching is a very popular eco adventure, especially between December and April when the whales come here to calve. There are whale watching photo safaris, prices are approximately 85 (USD) for adults and 60 (USD) for children.

The Marietas Islands are close to Banderas Bay and about 30 minutes away from the Vallarta Marina. This protected ecological park since you will find a vast array of sea life, flora and fauna. This is a great spot for snorkeling or scuba diving, prices range from 75 (USD) for adults and 48 (USD) for children.

Los Arcos National Marine Park is also a protected marine paradise in Banderas Bay. When the sun gently dips into the horizon, you can dive into exploring underwater life, including lobster, octopus, and sea turtles. There are islands to visit, reefs to dive, tunnels to swim through and caves.

Bucerias and Punta Mita are also protected areas; some famous eco activities around here are Sea Turtle Adventures and Baby Sea Turtle Release programs. From June to September children and adults can release baby turtles from buckets and applaud as the hatchlings plunge into the ocean. Prices are approx. of 50 (USD) for adults and 30 (USD) for children.

Finally, Suyalita and Playa de los Muertos are almost untouched beaches; these are very popular with Mexican families and a safe swimming beach. Las Cargadas is the tiny beach past the rocks to the south of Playa Los Muertos.

Cecilia Ameri